Experts still don’t know if bed bugs can directly transmit diseases into humans. However, previous research has found at least 45 different pathogens in these insects.
That should be enough reason for you to want to learn how to check for bed bugs at home.
Besides, even if these pests don’t directly cause diseases, their bites can still be very itchy. Scratching the bites, in turn, can result in secondary infections.
To that end, we’ve come up with this guide on how to find and get rid of bed bugs. Read on so you can protect yourself and your loved ones from these blood-suckers.
Table of Contents
Know What Bed Bugs Look Like
Adult bed bugs are tiny, measuring about 3/16 to 1/14 inch long. They resemble an apple seed, especially with their elongated, reddish-brown or brown bodies.
When they haven’t fed yet, the body of bed bugs takes on an oval shape.
However, they swell and become inflated once they’ve fed on a host. The bodies of recently-fed bugs are also noticeable redder.
Where and How to Check for Bed Bugs
According to Custom Bed Bug, the best way to know if you have bed bugs is to look for their physical signs in your bed.
To start, look for tiny, yellowish eggs and eggshells along the seams of your mattress.
You should also be on the lookout for dark fecal stains, which look like dots made by a marker. You may also see red or rust-colored stains on your mattress.
You may also encounter live bugs not just in the mattress but also in the headboard and bed frame. If you have a severe infestation, you’ll find these pests in the seams of upholstery.
You may even see them hiding in curtains, between cushions, and under loose wallpaper.
Health Symptoms That Indicate You Have Bed Bugs
Your skin can also tell you if you have bed bugs, as their bites often cause redness and itchiness.
However, it can take a few hours or even days before these visible symptoms may appear. That’s because bed bugs excrete a small dose of anesthetic before sucking the blood of their host.
Still, if you get bitten, the affected area will likely turn red, inflamed, and quite itchy. In some people, the bite may even feel like it’s burning. You might also notice these red spots appearing in a cluster or a line.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are such hardy creatures that they can resist common insecticides. Because of this, they’re even harder to control, much less completely eradicate.
Fortunately, some methods, such as heat extermination, still work against bed bugs. However, since it involves heat, it’s best to let professionals carry out the process. Moreover, the treatment requires specific temperatures and exposure times.
Scientists say that bed bugs die when exposed to 111.2 °F for at least an hour. Their eggs are hardier, though, and require an hour of exposure to 113 °F.
Say Goodbye to These Creepy Crawlers Now
If you suspect an infestation, make sure you follow this guide on how to check for bed bugs as soon as you can.
This way, you can determine if they really are what’s bugging you. From here, you can get in touch with a local pest control company for the prompt removal of the bugs.
Looking for more home and health guides like this? Feel free to check out as many of our other posts and categories then!
